AP gov unit 1

democracy

a system of government where power is held by the people

natural right

the right to life,liberty, and property, which government cannot take away

social contract

people allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

American political culture

the set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that americans share

popular soverignty

the idea that the governments right to rule comes from the people and that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its citizens.

republicanism

a system in which the governments authoity comes form the people

inalienable rights

rights that the government cannot take away

liberty

social, political, and economic freedom that allows individuals to act as they choose within a society.

participatory demmocracy

a theory that widespread political participation is essential to democratic government

civvil society groups

independent associationss outside the governments control

pluralist theory

a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process

elitist theory

a theory of democracy that t he elites have a disporopportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process

political institution

the structire of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary

constitutional republic

a democratic system with elected representatives in which the constitution is the supreme law

republic

a government ruled by representatives of the people

articles of confederation and perpetual union

a governing document that created a union of thirteen soverign states in which the states , not the national goernment, were supreme

unicameral

a one house legislature

constitutional convention

a meeting attended by state delegated ni 1787 to fix the articles of confederation

writ of habeas corpus

the right of popele detained by the government ti know the charges against them and

bills of attainder

when the legislatute declares someone guilty witohut a trial

virginia plan

a plan of government calling for a three branch government with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in congress

bicameral

a two house legislature

three 5ths compromise

an agreement reached by delegates at the constitutional convention that a slave would count as three fifths of a person in calculating a states represntation

compromise of importation

congress could not restrict the slave trade until 1808

separation of powers

a design of government that distributes powers across institutions in order to avoid making one branch too powerful on its own

checks and balances

a system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

federalism

the sharing of power between the national government and hte states

legislative branch

the institution responsible for making laws

expressed or enumerated powers

authority specifically granted to a branchg of the government in the constitution

implied powers

authoirty of the federal government tghat goes beyond its expressed powers

executive branch

the institution responsible for carrying out laws passed by the legislative branch.

judicial branch

the institutuin responsible for hearing and deciding cases through the federal courts

amedment

the process by which changes may be made to the constitution

federalists

supporters of the proposed constitution, who called for a strong national government

antifederalist

those opposed to the proposed constituituin, who favored strong national governmment

antifederalist

those opposed to the proposed constitution, who favored stronger state government

faction

a group of self interested poeple who use the government to get what they want, trampling the rights of others in the process

federalism

a system that divides power bettween the national and state government

unitary system

a system where the central government has all of the power over subnational governments, leaving little or no authority for local governments.

confederal system

a system where the subnational government has allof the power, while the central government has limited authority, often resulting in loose agreements between member states.

confederal stsem

A political system in which the member states retain considerable independence and authority, granting limited powers to the central government. This often leads to agreements made between states to collaborate on specific issues.

federal system

A political system in which power is divided between a central government and subnational governments, allowing them both to exercise authority over shared areas.

enumerated or expressed powers

are specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

exclusive powers

are powers that are granted solely to the federal government and cannot be exercised by the states, such as the power to conduct foreign relations and issue currency.

implied powers

are powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the federal government to carry out its enumerated powers, derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

commerce clause

grants congress he authority to regulate interstate business and commwercial activity

reserved powers

powers not given to the natinal government, which are retained by the states and the people

reserved power

are powers retained by the states and the people as outlined in the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

concurrent powers

powers exercised by both national and state governments simultaneously, such as taxation and law enforcement.

extradition

the legal process of returning a fugitive or criminal to the state where they committed a crime.

privileges and imunities clause

is a provision in Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution that prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states, ensuring equal rights and protections.

thirteen amedment

constitutional amendment that outlaws slavery

fifteenth amendment

constitutional amendment that grants African American men the right to vote.

dual federalism

a form of american fdederalism in which the states and hte nation operates independently in their own areas of public policy

cooperative fedeeralism

a form of aerican federlaism in which the states and hte national governmnet work together to shape public policy

grant in aid

federal money provided to states to implement specific projects or programs, often with specific conditions attached.

fiscal federalism

the federal government’s use of grants in aid provided to states and local governments to influence their policies and expenditures.

categorical grants

grants in aid provided to states with specific provisions on their use

unfunded mandate

federal requirements that states must follow without being provided with funding

unfiunded mandates

federal requirements that states must follow witohut being provided with funding

revenue sharing

when the federal government apportions tax money to the states with no strings attachedallowing states to use the funds as they see fit.

devolution

returning more authoirtyto state and local governments, reducing the power of the federal government.